Government to ‘seriously’ consider giving gas quota to CNG sector

Petroleum minister assures industry of all fair demands.

ISLAMABAD: The government has assured the compressed natural gas (CNG) industry that it will seriously consider allocating gas quota to CNG stations and reduce load-shedding in Sindh and Punjab.

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday said the government will extend all possible help to the apex body of CNG stations owners All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) to realise its plan to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) which will mitigate energy crisis.

He said the government will “seriously” consider allocation of gas quota to CNG stations, reduce gas load-shedding in Sindh and Punjab, curb theft and misuse of natural gas, hiring third party to reduce complaints of overbilling, and bringing an end to the practice of double taxation.

Abbasi was in a meeting with APCNGA led by Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, chairman of supreme council of APCNGA, and Central Chairman Abid Hayat. APCNGA’s regional chairmen from all provinces were also present on the occasion.

According to statement issued by APCNGA, the minister asked the delegation for “implementable suggestions” for a new gas load management schedule, and assured resolution of all fair demands of the sector.

He said that gas is being sold at the highest price to the CNG sector which is contributes heavily to the national exchequer which the new government will consider reducing.

Earlier, Paracha briefed the meeting about the problems faced by the CNG sector, issues with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) and utility companies, and matters regarding to taxation rules.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2013.

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